MS2 - Moviles-G45/FlutterApp GitHub Wiki

📦 MS2 Deliverables

1️⃣ Selected Problems

  • Problem 1: Young's adult finances: Many young adults and students struggle to manage their finances due to a lack of tools, awareness, and financial literacy. Without clear systems for tracking expenses, creating budgets, or building savings habits, they often overspend, fail to save, or fall into debt. Additionally, manually managing money is time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to poor financial decisions and missed opportunities for growth. A finance app can address these issues by automating expense tracking, simplifying budgeting, and fostering responsible money management habits.

  • Problem 2: Student brigade: The university has a group of students who get training to respond to different situations across campus, generally emergency situations where someone in the community might be at risk. There are already some communication protocols via phones in campus to communicate emergencies to this group. However, this communication could be done faster and more directly with an app available for the uniandes community, where the brigade could recieve alerts of situations reported by people in campus.

  • Problem 3: Clothes in Bogota (Reuse): The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, most of the clothes people use end up in landfills which can be really contaminating. Many times, the disposed items are still in good conditions, and can be used more times. Giving them to the right people or institutions to be reused can help reduce the contamination problem.

  • Problem 4: University marketplace/ bartering app: In the university communities there is usually a waste of resources, (i.e.) the academic materials required for the courses. Since frequently, these are bought for a class and once the course is over, they are never used again and instead they are kept and forgotten or thrown away. Additionally, it is sometimes hard to find these resources and buying them brand-new can be very expensive and many students are willing to use secondhand materials provided by their peers.

2️⃣ Interview Structure

3️⃣ Interview Summary

4️⃣ Identified Situations

Gabriela's Interview:

Situation What? How? Why? Who?
1 A young woman is checking her bank app on her phone, scrolling through her recent transactions. She appears frustrated, sighing as she realizes she overspent on entertainment this month. She taps on multiple categories in the app, trying to figure out where most of her money went. She is trying to understand her financial status after noticing a lower balance than expected. She’s likely trying to prevent further overspending and regain control of her budget. A 21-year-old university student who manages her own finances but often struggles to stick to a budget due to impulsive spending on small luxuries.
2 A young adult girl is sitting at her desk, reading an article about personal finance on her tablet. She looks thoughtful and takes notes on ways to improve her savings. She nods occasionally, showing agreement with the advice provided. She might be seeking better ways to build a traveling fund or optimize her financial planning, likely motivated by recent unexpected expenses. A 19-year-old mother of two who has some savings but struggles to maintain them due to family responsibilities.
3 A young man is at a coffee shop writing in an agenda some accounts, doing his monthly budget, based on his handwritten reports of his last monthly expenses. He gets frustrated because the coffee spilled in the agenda. He seems focused, occasionally pausing to check his bank account on his phone. He organizes expenses into different categories but looks confused at times due to the lack of order. He’s likely attempting to establish a budgeting system but is unsure how to properly allocate his income and categorize recurring expenses. He is tired of doing math calculations manually. A 23-year-old recent graduate who just started working and wants to develop responsible financial habits but lacks prior experience.
4 A woman is trying to set up a financial calendar to manage her debt payments but is struggling because she does not have a reliable system to track her expenses. She looks concerned, tapping through her phone, trying to calculate how much she has left for the month. She mutters about how hard it is to keep up with payments and wishes her app could notify her when she exceeds her monthly budget. She needs to save money at the end of each month to pay her debts but often overspends due to lack of timely notifications. This creates difficulties in setting aside funds for her financial obligations. A 27-year-old working professional with student loans and other debt, who relies on mobile banking and apps but needs better tools to manage spending and meet payment deadlines consistently.

Santiago's Interview:

Situation What? How? Why? Who?
1 A young woman is looking at clothes in a store and checking prices. She hesitates before picking items, looking at the material and brand labels. Sometimes, she puts them back. She might be worried about the prices or wondering if buying new clothes is the best choice. She might be open to buying second-hand clothes but is not fully convinced yet. A 25-year-old woman who likes fashion but is starting to think more about money and sustainability. She might be interested in second-hand clothes if they were easier to find.
2 A man is searching his closet for clothes he no longer wears. He picks up shirts, looks at them, and makes a pile. He seems unsure. He wants to donate the clothes but doesn’t know where to drop them off. Not knowing where to donate makes him give up. He might end up putting the clothes back in the closet instead of donating them. A 32-year-old man who has extra clothes but lacks motivation to donate them due to not knowing where to do so.
3 A woman is watching a news story about sustainable fashion and second-hand clothing. She nods but looks doubtful. She crosses her arms and leans back in her chair. She might agree with the idea but still feel unsure about buying second-hand because of stigma, hygiene concerns, or old habits. She might need more convincing, like testimonials or better marketing, to feel comfortable. A 28-year-old woman who is open to sustainability but still prefers new clothes. She might change if she gets the right motivation.
4 A man puts his old clothes in a bag but decides to throw them away instead of donating them. He looks at the bag for a moment and then throws it in the trash. He doesn’t think much about it. He might not know where to donate the clothes or just doesn’t care about reusing them. He may think donating is too much effort. He may think donating is too much effort or that his clothes aren’t worth giving away. A 40-year-old working professional who prioritizes convenience and has not been exposed to the importance of textile recycling or donation.

Miguel's Interview:

Situation What? How? Why? Who?
1 The user considers donating clothes they no longer use. Buys clothes twice a month and donates when they accumulate a certain amount of items. Disposes of clothes they no longer like or use. Collects clothes until reaching a sufficient quantity before seeking someone in need, usually through acquaintances or family. A young adult who values sustainability but prioritizes accessible and quick solutions in their routine.
2 Considers how to contribute to reducing environmental impact. Acknowledges not being 100% aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Is interested in initiatives like discounts for recycling clothes (e.g., bringing old jeans to stores). Considers these practices useful for reducing impact. A user open to changing habits if concrete benefits are provided.
3 Looks for options to donate clothes in Bogotá. Notices a lack of information on where to donate clothes. Relies on recommendations from acquaintances or family to find charities. Feels frustrated by the limited availability of nearby and accessible options. Prefers simple and direct donation processes. A user looking for efficiency in donations and a simplified process.
4 Considers using an app to facilitate donations. Interested in an app that directly connects with charities and provides nearby donation options. Wants a practical solution that removes barriers and motivates frequent donations. Also wishes to customize donations based on the charity's needs (sizes, ages, etc.). A user willing to use technology that simplifies the donation process and values tangible incentives.

Castillo´s Interview:

Situation What? How? Why? Who?
1 Many people throw away clothes that are still in good condition instead of donating or reusing them. This happens because they are unaware of donation options, find it easier to dispose of them, or don't know who might need them. If people had clear information on where and how to donate clothes easily, the amount of clothing ending up in landfills could be reduced. A 28-year-old marketing professional, regularly cleans out her closet but often throws away clothes because she doesn’t have time to search for donation centers and isn’t sure if the clothes will actually be used.
2 People interested in donating clothes often don’t know where or how to do it. Information about donation points is not easily accessible or centralized in a single platform. If a system existed that made it easier to find nearby donation locations and explained the process, more people would participate in clothing reuse. 35-year-old father of two, wants to donate his children's old clothes but doesn’t know where to take them. He has searched online but finds conflicting or outdated information, making it frustrating to take action.
3 Many people do not see tangible benefits in donating their used clothes. Currently, there are not enough incentives or rewards to encourage consumers to donate instead of throwing clothes away. If there were programs offering discounts, rewards, or benefits for donations, more people would be willing to donate rather than discard their clothes. 22-year-old college student, loves fashion and frequently updates her wardrobe. She would be more likely to donate her clothes if she received store credits or discounts from brands she likes.
4 The fast fashion industry generates an excess of garments, promoting uncontrolled consumption and waste. Brands constantly release new collections, encouraging impulse purchases and making clothes disposable more quickly. If responsible consumption models were promoted, such as reuse, second-hand shopping, or clothing rental, the environmental impact could be reduced. 40-year-old entrepreneur, runs a small sustainable clothing brand. He struggles to compete with fast fashion companies because most consumers prefer cheap, trendy clothes rather than investing in long-lasting, eco-friendly garments.

Julian's Interview

Situation What? How? Why? Who?
1 He is browsing through books and notebooks at a second-hand store. He carefully examines their condition before deciding. He looks thoughtful, flipping through the pages and checking for any damage. He seems slightly concerned about the quality but also satisfied with the price. New books are too expensive, and he needs materials for his studies. He prefers affordable options that still serve their purpose. A university student, wearing casual clothing, carrying a backpack. He seems budget-conscious and practical.
2 He is sorting through a pile of old notebooks and textbooks, setting some aside while keeping others. He looks hesitant, flipping through notes before placing them in different stacks. He occasionally checks if he still needs them. He wants to declutter but is unsure if he might need these materials in the future. He also considers donating them to others. A university student, organized and practical, possibly sentimental about his past studies.
3 He is scrolling through listings on his phone, reading descriptions and checking seller profiles. He looks skeptical and cautious. He double-checks the seller’s profile and messages them to ask questions. He is worried about scams or receiving low-quality products, as social media marketplaces lack guarantees. A tech-savvy university student, careful and analytical, likely aware of online fraud risks.
4 He is reading about the app, looking at its features and reviews. He seems curious but slightly doubtful, questioning how reliable and safe the platform is. He wants a trustworthy way to buy and sell items, but he is unsure if the app will be better than existing methods. He needs a secure and easy-to-use solution. A student who values efficiency and security, possibly hesitant about new platforms.

Juan David's Interview

Situation What? How? Why? Who?
1 A student does not know how to report an emergency on campus. He has never needed to report an emergency and has not received clear information on the procedure. If students do not know how to act in an emergency, response time may be delayed, increasing risk. A university student who has never encountered an emergency and is unaware of the protocols.
2 A student believes an emergency app should be easy to use. The app should automate emergency protocols for users. In an emergency, quick response time is crucial, and a complicated app could be ineffective. A student who values ease of use during high-stress situations.
3 A student describes what information should be included in an emergency report. The app should request location, reporter's name, affected person's name, and a brief description of the event. Structured and clear information enables security teams to respond quickly and efficiently. A student looking for an easy and precise way to report an emergency.
4 Students may not use an app in an emergency. In stressful situations, they seek immediate help from nearby people rather than opening an app. In critical moments, instinctive reactions take over, and people may not remember they have an app available. A student who acknowledges that calling for help directly is their first instinct in an emergency.
5 Students are not used to using apps for emergencies. They prefer calling emergency services or asking people around them for help. Cultural habits prioritize direct human contact over digital tools during emergencies. A student who believes phone calls are the fastest and most effective emergency response method.

5️⃣ Journey Maps

Ivory Pastel Orange Modern Gradient Customer Journey Map Graph

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6️⃣ Brainstorming Process

Our brainstorming process began by identifying pressing issues that could be addressed through a mobile app, considering feasibility within a four-month development timeframe and our experience in software engineering but lack of prior mobile development. We focused on problems that were both relevant to our context as university students in Colombia and impactful for a broader audience.

To organize our ideas, we conducted a SWOT analysis for each proposal, assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to determine viability. Among the initial ideas, we explored solutions for student financial management and sustainable fashion (clothing reuse)—because they were the ones we had already conducted detailed journey maps for, based on interviews we had previously conducted.. Each team member contributed insights based on personal experiences and research, highlighting potential challenges such as technical complexity, user adoption barriers, and regulatory constraints.

Once we shortlisted our top ideas, we engaged in group discussions to refine each concept, considering the balance between impact and feasibility. We also explored design thinking principles, emphasizing user needs, motivation, and behaviors to ensure that our final choice would address a real problem effectively. After evaluating all aspects, we selected a solution that aligns with our technical skills, timeline, and potential for innovation, ensuring that our project remains both achievable and meaningful. 🚀

To dive deeper into the details of our brainstorming and analysis, feel free to check out our SWOT Analysis Board.

7️⃣ Prototype Video and Description